Saturday, 30 November 2013

Last night, the Maltese finalists were announced through Xarabank - a popular Maltese show! Unfortunately I missed it so I haven't heard any of the songs but judging from the reactions I've seen online, there are great songs this year!

These are the lucky acts which have made the live shows:

Amber – Because I have you

Andreana – Now and forever

Chris Grech – Oblivion

Christabelle - Lovetricity

Corazon – Ten

Daniel Testa – One last ride

Davinia – Brand new day

Debbie Stivala – Pin the middle

Deborah C – Until we meet again

Fabrizio Faniello - Just no place like home

Firelight – Coming home

Franklin – Love will take me home

Jessika - Hypnotica

Miriam Christine – Safe

Pamela – Take me

Raquel Galdes - Invisible

Romina Mamo – Addictive

Ryan Paul Abela – City lady

Sophie – Let the sunshine in

Wayne William – Some kind of wonderful

Only snippets of each song was revealed last night... the semi-final will take place on 7th February! Then the grand final will follow the day after. I'm delighted to see that Chris Grech and Davinia are back!

Ruth Lorenzo is apparently going to represent Spain, according to the online magazine El Corte Inglés - the site which exclusively reported El Sueño de Morfeo would represent Spain in Malmo. TVE have seemingly been in negations with her for sometime...

Ruth has previously stated that she'd happily go to Eurovision for UK, but now it appears she could be representing her homeland instead. She competed in The X Factor UK a few years ago and came 5th, respectively. It looks like Ruth will be flying the Spanish flag as her songs release date has been delayed and her website has been updated.

Thursday, 28 November 2013

Lithuania's participation in Copenhagen will mark their 20th entry in Eurovision and thus LRT are aiming to produce an awesome show! The hosts have also been announced - and they are Arūnas Valinskas and Simona Nainė.

An ‘anniversary concert’ will be held on 14th December, then the selection will properly kick off the week after and will air every week until early February. Lithuania will choose their representative on 8th February! Some artists have already announced that they'll compete in the selection. These include: Sasha Son, Aistė Pilvelytė and Pop Ladies.

20 acts will compete in the selection, with the best 6 making the grand final! I'm very excited about this! ;-)

France will hold a national final on 26th January where three participants will showcase their offerings in the hope to represent France - and now these participants are known!

I've had a quick look on YouTube and they all have potential - but I think my favourite is Joanna. She has such a strong voice but Destan also look great. Twin Twin look interesting, to say the least, but with the right song they could be awesome. It's going to depend on the song. On 2nd March, the French representative will be revealed by Natasha St. Piere.

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Lily Allen has covered the beautiful Somewhere only we know. This is like the prefect Christmas song, it's lovely... I'm not normally a massive fan of hers but this does tug at the heart strings. neAngely are aiming to represent Ukraine in Copenhagen with Courageous. It is fantastic!!! Ukraine will select their song on 21st December and I hope this wins. Abi Sampa has covered Wake Me Up <3 she's amazing! Abi brings an Eastern influence in her music. She was a contestant on The Voice UK 2013 however didn't make the live shows. Finally, Kurt Calleja, Malta's 2012 representative, has unveiled a new song called Love On Mars. Sweet video and a really cool song!

The first 16 participates to participate in Melodifestivalen have been revealed by SVT, the Swedish broadcaster. There are some well known names in the mix - including Helena Paparizou, Sanna Nielsen, YOHIO and Martin Stenmarck.

Monday, 25 November 2013

DR have released a photograph of what next years logo could look like. This isn't the finished version, however we can see what kind of look they are going for.

Me gusta! This is what Jan Lagermand Lundme, show producer at DR said:

It is not the finished theme art, but a preview of the graphics that includes some of the important elements that we work with. The idea is that the graphic to support our slogan # JoinUs. And this slogan with a hashtag in front is at the center of the graphics, which has red, blue and purple elements and has a diamond-like shape.

Ilse Delange and Waylon have been announced as the Dutch representatives! TROS revealed this in a press conference in Hilversum this morning. They will compete under the name "The Common Linnets".

I'm very excited about this! They are both fantastic artists and will release a new album soon - which has been recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. The duo have worked together for many years now - and this is what Ilse had to say about flying the Dutch flag:

We’ve known each other a long time out of the country circuit. Early this year I wanted to make a record with a like-minded artist, and I came out [to Nashville] with Waylon. We went several times to Nashville and wrote there. We have written a lot of songs together, but haven’t decided what number we are going to do in the contest. One morning in Nashville we had a talk about the contest and then I was pretty enthusiastic about it.

The song hasn't been chosen yet however it is going to be country song. I'm expecting good things from Holland next year... Their Eurovision entry will be released in March.

Sunday, 24 November 2013

A couple of days ago, Bulgaria announced that they would leaving Eurovision because of financial problems however now the EBU have moved the deadline to 10th January - it seems there is still hope!

BNT, the Bulgarian broadcaster, released this statement:

“New date announced by the official website of the organizers at DR, stating that to date there may be any changes in the list of participating countries. After this came out, application for participation in ” Eurovision ” 2014 will finally be possible.”

Meanwhile OGAE Serbia are asking for support so have set up a Facebook page in the hope that the Serbian broadcaster will re-think their plans on Eurovision 2014.

Only 37 countries have initially confirmed participation for the 2014 contest, so the EBU have decided to expend their deadline. The official deadline is now 10th January - so there's still hope for Bulgaria, Serbia, Cyprus, Croatia... they have two months to get their finances in order and find sponsors.

Slovenia and Greece likely to participate although confirmation will come in the coming weeks. Poland will announce their decision tomorrow. Both Slovenia and Greece have sent applications to compete, however they said they need to get their finances in order before they confirm officially. I reckon the EBU will talk to the withdrawn countries, and maybe help them financially, as that's the reason there has been four withdrawals.

Due to financial difficulties, it has been confirmed that Serbia will not send an entry to Copenhagen. RTS, the Serbian broadcaster, have been in discussion for sometime and have decided to withdraw today.

This is very sad. Both Cyprus and Croatia have also withdrawn for the 2014 contest. Serbia is one of my favourite Eurovision countries, as is Cyprus, so I'm gutted to read that they're leaving the contest. Slovenia and Moldova are still yet to confirm... Oh, and Poland! And Greece.

Today is the official deadline for all countries to send their applications into the EBU - so confirmations have been coming through all day... which is fantastic. Although broadcasters can decide to withdraw up until December 15th without a financial penalty. The biggest questions today are... will Poland return? Will Romania compete? Will Slovenia compete? Stay tuned!

The three Swiss broadcasters RSI, RTS and SRF have all announced their acts to compete in the "expert check" on 30th November. Then out of those 18 acts, only 6 will qualify for the live national final.

I'm rather unimpressed to be honest... Ilary didn't make it, Rebecca didn't make it, neither did Daria or Jerome Mevis. Shame. However one of my favourites did make it into the final 18 - and that's the lovely Gosia! Swissters also made it, they're pretty good too. Here are the 18 acts to compete in the expert check...

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

WOW... this is absolutely amazing! I've had 100,000 hits on my blog. It's extraordinary. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart <3

This may not seem like much to some people however for an independent blogger like myself, it's such an achievement. I'm so happy right now! Who would've thought it? I can also confirm that I will be around for Eurovision next year - this year I was in Italy. So keep it here for all the latest news!!! I love you all <3

Some details regarding next years Maltese selection have been announced by PBS. The semi final will take place on 7th February, with the grand finale taking place a day later.

70 acts have also been revealed - these are the lucky ones which have made the second stage of the competition. A jury will evaluate these songs and then the best 20 will qualify for the live shows. Like every year, there are some familiar names - Davinia Pace, Amber, Dorothy Bezzina, Jessica Muscat, Fabrizio Faniello, Eleanor Cassar, Chris Grech, Kaya...

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Yipee! It's been confirmed that Italy will be sending a representative to Copenhagen as RAI has officially announced participation today. There was never any doubt regarding Italy's participation but it's awesome to see this news become official.

No news regarding the selection method however likely to be chosen through Sanremo again. I would love Italy to win ESC... Anyway, we should soon hear news from both Poland and Romania. Let's hope for the best there!

We now have our fourth confirmed artist for the 2014 contest. The Montenegrin broadcaster, RTCG, have selected Sergej Ćetković to represent the country in Copenhagen... a fantastic choice!

It's been revealed that the song will be composed and written by himself - the staging in Copenhagen will be very simple too, apparently. It will be a traditional Balkan ballad I expect. He also stated in today's press conference:

"The song will be a love song and it will have a high quality. We hope for a place in the final, which for me would be a great result!"

He has been rumoured for months so I wasn't surprised to hear this news. Can Montenegro make the final for the first time? There's a very good chance here! Listen to one of his most popular song here...

Monday, 18 November 2013

Amazing news.. It's been confirmed that Bosnia and Herzegovina will return to Eurovision next year. I'm really pleased to hear this!

BHRT, the Bosnian broadcaster, decided to withdraw last year thanks to financial difficulties and although the country are still experiencing money problems, they've decided to return to Eurovision. BHRT have said they will be working with a sponsor and therefore no public money will be spent. Poland are still possible returnees... and hopefully Romania will be able to make it too! The EBU's preliminary deadline for countries to confirm is 22nd November.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Rumours were spreading online last night that Romania may not participate next year. Apparently there was messages on Facebook. Or something like that... anyway, it's not looking good as Romania have money difficulties.

TVR, the Romanian broadcaster, haven't officially made any comment regarding this so we don't know what's happening exactly. All interested countries have until 22nd November to apply to the EBU... with any luck, Romania will be on that list. There's also been no official announcement from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Moldova and Slovenia. Poland will also decided next week...

Saturday, 16 November 2013

Kaliopi, one of Macedonia's finest singers, has released a new track entitled Lokomotiva. What's not to love? It features lots of violin and accordion... Personally, Kaliopi is one of my favourite Macedonians aritsts and I wouldn't mind seeing her return to Eurovision at all. The amazing Céline Dion performed Love Me Back To Life on The X Factor UK last week. It's an amazing song!!! You can listen to the studio version here! <3 Lawson's latest song is Juliet. They are an awesome band and their latest track rocks. The song was actually released a few weeks ago however I've only discovered it recently. Finally, we have a new song from one of Italy's finest singers! Emma releases L'Amore Non Mi Basta... è fantastico!!!

I started my "wishlist" series earlier this year however only had time to do a 4 artists - well this series returns now! Today I'm looking at Caro Emerald. One of the most famous and well recognised Dutch singers. I think she would be a marvellous choice for Eurovision. Her style is a mixture between jazz and pop - and her songs are fantastic.

The Netherlands aren't the most successful in ESC, but Anouk managed to get them back on the left hand side of the scoreboard this year. Some of Caro's most famous hits include That Man, Back It Up, A Night Like This, Tangled Up and Liquid Lunch. We don't see much jazz in Eurovision and it would be a breath of fresh air seeing her represent the Netherlands. Caro has released two albums. Her debut album was very successful - it was the biggest selling album of 2010 in the Netherlands and has sold over 300,000 copies. Pretty impressive! Meanwhile, her second studio album, which was released in May 2013, peaked at number one in both the UK and Holland. Hopefully we'll see her in Eurovision very very soon. If she was to do Eurovision, the juries would absolutely love her

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Who will fly the Montenegrin flag next May? We'll find out very soon! Next Tuesday to be precise, as RTCG will hold a press conference at 13:00 CET.

Nina Žižic and Sergej Ćetković are both possible candidates... and either of them would be fantastic for Montenegro. I love Montenegro in Eurovision... they've sent some awesome stuff and hopefully the trend will continue next year.

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Today it has been announced that Nour El Refai and Anders Jansson will host Melodifestivalen 2014. SVT announced this through a press conference this morning. They are both popular and well known comedians in Sweden and Nour was actually a backstage reporter during Melodifestivalen 2008.

Sarah Dawn Finer was a hot favourite to host next years Swedish selection however that won't be happening. The full list of participants will be released very soon...

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

TVP, the Polish broadcaster, will announce their decision regarding the 2014 contest very soon. We should know their decision for sure by the end of the month...

After seeing Portugal returning, this blogger hopes to see Poland follow in their footsteps. I'd be so happy if they was to confirm... Poland's last entry was in 2011 where they came last in their semi final with Jestem. Stay tuned, y'all!

Further details have been released regarding next years French selection... La France is really taking this seriously now.

The national final itself will take place on 26th January - with the three participants premiering their entries live. Then the French public can vote between 26th January and 23rd February. A special jury will also have a 50% say in the outcome. All three hopefuls will receive huge exposure throughout this period as French radio stations will play these songs. The winner will be announced on 2nd March by Natasha St Piere on Chansons D'Aboard. A special jury will select these three lucky participants at the end of the month.

Monday, 11 November 2013

I know I'm a few days late reporting this but I've had lots on this weekend... anyway, it looks like Helena Paparizou and YOHIO will participate. Awesome news!

Helena has participated in ESC twice! She represented Greece in 2001 (with her band, Antique) and came third, respectively. Then she went solo and won the contest in 2005. She now aims to represent her Sweden, the country she was born and raised in. According to aftonbladet, her song is ”uptempo, catchy and crazy good". It's been composed by Bobby Ljunggren, Henrik Wikström and Sharon Vaughn. Ljungrren - they wrote Carola's 2006 Eurovision entry, which came 5th in Athens.

It's also been reported that YOHIO is back in the running. He participated this year and won the public vote. The full list will be revealed by the end of the month. #excited

Sunday, 10 November 2013

Alyona Lanskaya will officially release her new album tomorrow! Alyona's album will include a total of 20 tracks, with four remixes of "Solayoh" as well as an instrumental version of the song.

The album was recorded in both Abbey Road Studios (UK) and the Mono Music Studios (Sweden). I see that this album also includes "All My Life" - the song she was going to represent Belarus with in 2012, until it came attention that the voting was rigged. Yeah right! Anyway, here is the track list:

Friday, 8 November 2013

It has been reported that Max Barskih will enter the Ukrainian national selection this year! This blogger is thrilled to hear this news - as the song he's trying with is amazing.

Max Barskih is no stranger to Ukraine's national finals - as he's already participated twice before. He entered with Belyi voron in 2010 then in 2012 with Dance. He's one of Ukraine's most successful artists. Max's entry is entitled Nebo and would make a perfect Ukrainian representation. Remember, submissions are open until 6th December and then a special jury will choose the best songs for the national final. Ukraine will be the first to select their representative for Copenhagen. The song was released only three days ago and has clocked over 60,000 hits already.

Kiev 2015 could be a possibility, if Ukraine was to select this masterpiece...

Good evening everyone! I've taken a look at some more of the Swiss hopefuls...

Krystal Mills was training to become a hairdresser however after winning a karaoke contest, she decided to peruse music instead. She is trying her luck with Bang, Bang, Bang. I love it - and the BBC have even reported the news. The Cardiff born singer describes her style as "country and folky, with a bit of psychedelia thrown in".

From the UK to Finland - ARTO submits a weird track entitled Pysaehtyneet which translates to Crossroads. Hmmm, it has its charm I guess.

A guy called Martin Kirchberge enters Yourope. He reminds me of Andrius Pojavis and the song has a really nice feel about it. It is a little cheesy though ^^

This is hilarious! Horst Blue and Melody Hookline have entered a song called The Ding Dong Eurosong. It features various past Eurovision song titles and I must admit, it's very catchy.

Finally, here's a nice Italian song. La luce del cuore is sung by Colonna Nino. I wouldn't complain if this was to make the national final.

Thursday, 7 November 2013

Speculation is growing concerning who will participate in Melodifestivalen next year, some names which keep popping up include Martin Stenmarck (ESC 2005), Sanna Nielsen and the lovely Linda Bengtzing.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Avicii - apparently Christer Björkman is persuading him to compete meanwhile Darin is also another likely candidate for Mello. Hopefully there will be some really good songs next year - as this years edition was rather disappointing - the only song I loved was the dead fish. Will Sarah Dawn Finer try her luck again? And what Loreen? She's been hinting about a comeback however will that happen, time will tell! But remember, this is all speculation. Nothing is set in stone yet, so to speak. We should find out next years participants within the next few weeks.

I'm delighted to read that Portugal will return to Eurovision next year! This is fantastic news <3 yaaaaay!

RTP, the Portuguese broadcaster, has officially confirmed today that they will be taking part in next years contest. Portugal was forced to withdraw last year thanks to economic difficulties. It's yet to be decided how their entrant will be chosen so stay tuned. Now we wait for some official news from Poland - we should know their decision by the end of the month. Meanwhile it's been confirmed that Turkey won't be back - although we kinda knew that already...

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

This years Macedonian hopeful releases a new song entitled Suze od pepela. It's a really lovely song and I love Tijana! Her Eurovision entry will be released on 15th January... apparently it will be a dance song although nothings official yet. Rebecca Ferguson's latest song is I Hope. Her voice is amazing. She was runner up on The X Factor UK in 2010. Danish singer, Bryan Rice, has released a new track too - it's entitled Stay Awake. A very modern number indeed. Finally, Cascada's lead singer, Natalie Horler, and Robin Stjernberg have teamed up and re-recorded You. Fantastic!! I don't like the original but this duet is awesome.

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

The Dutch broadcaster has confirmed they'll be announcing their 2014 representative on 25th November... that's exactly 20 days time!!!

Following this announcement, the song itself is likely to be revealed in February/March. Following Anouk's 9th place, this years Dutch artist will have a big task on their hands. Rumours suggest Ilse DeLange may have the honour

Monday, 4 November 2013

It's now been reported that the Albanian national selection will take place on 26th, 27th and 28th December. Thus the final of Festivali i Këngës will now take place on 28th December, a week after previously planned.

The song title have also been released:

Ti mungon (You’re missing) - Marjeta Billo

Zemërimi i një nate (One night’s anger) - Herciana Matmuja

Jeta në orën 4 (Life at 4 o’clock) - Orges Toce

Jam larg (I'm far away) - Besiana Mehmeti and Shkodran Tolaj

Grua (Wife) - Sajmir Braho

Nuk e di (I don’t know) - Renis Gjoka

Natë e pare (First night) - Venera Lumani and Lindi Islami

Një ditë shprese (One hopeful day) - Frederik Ndoci

Në zemër (In the heart) - Rezarta Smaja

Mikja ime (My friend) - Blerina Braka

Me ty (With you) - Klodian Kacani

Kur qielli qan (When the sky cries) - Xhejn & Enxhi Kumrija

Kthehu (Come back) - Luiz Ejlli

Princesha (The Princess) - Lynx

Vetëm për ty (Only for you) - Saviana Verdha and Edmond Mancaku

Ëndërrat janë ëndërra (Dreams are dreams) - Xhejsi Jorgaq

Russia will select their representative for 2014 just three days after the Albanians now.

esctoday.com have announced that France3 will hold a national final this year, with only three acts participating. This news comes at quite a shock to be honest... France haven't held a national final in years!

All the submitted entries will be reviewed at the end of the month, by a special jury. They will pick the best three participants for "Les chansons d'abord". It's also been announced that Natasha St-Pier will host the event. Restez à l'écoute!

Friday, 1 November 2013

The wonderful Magda Tul releases a new track entitled I am who I am. I feel this would've done much better than Jestem in Eurovision - she's got a cracking voice and it really suits this song. Soraya's new song is Plastic! She'll release a new album this month and Plastic is the first single from that album. Muy bueno indeed! Carrousel are a fantastic duo. They totally deserved to represent Switzerland last year - and almost did coming 2nd, now they're back with a new track. It's entitled Les quatre saisons. With any luck, they'll enter the Swiss selection this year too. Remember y'all, the Swiss French broadcaster (RTS) will announce their acts on 18th November. My fingers are crossed! haha! Finally, Birgit releases a sweet ballad called Olen loodud rändama. Lovely song! <3

escflashmalta.com has exclusively reported that Claudia Faniello won't submit a song into the Maltese selection next year. She has entered the Maltese national final every year since 2006 - although the island have never decided to send her...

The reason behind her decision is to concentrate on other music projects. Claudia has an awesome voice and would've been a prefect Maltese representation in Eurosion, I've even included her in my wishlist series. This blogger wishes Claudia the best and I hope to hear more music from her really soon.